DM97 « Good, but not for Reason. »
Published on 02/02/16 at 13:32
Value For Money :
Poor
Audience:
Advanced Users
What configuration, software and other gear do you use with this MIDI control surface? In what context? What are your thoughts on its stability?
iMac with reason 7. I was looking for a controller with more than 16 pads to play drum parts with Kong or launch samples in the NN-XT.
Do you find the different features and controls to be ergonomically designed? Is MIDI mapping straightforward?
Overall it's OK.
What are your thoughts on the feel of the controls and keys in terms of robustness and precision?
First, the box is beautiful. As far as manufacturing quality and sturdiness are concerned, the Base II seems really sturdy. Yet, I didn't like the touchpad faders at all, they lack accuracy. Regarding the pads, I was really disappointed by their touch and velocity which are way below their competitor's level. It's far from being as comfortable as Maschine's. I even preferred the novation launchkey mini's pads - way more pleasant and efficient.
What are the pros and cons of this MIDI control surface?
Pros :
- In theory, it's the perfect controller with 32 pads and touchpad faders.
- The box is well-thought, pretty and rather compact.
- High manufacture quality.
- Certainly an excellent live-oriented controller
Cons :
- A low value-for-money considering it's sold with no bundled software or soundbank, and there are still things that couls be made better.
- The pads. Once agin, you expect better for that price. Touch and velocity are really not up to par. This device's biggest flaw. Far below its competitors. Now, it won't matter to launch loops with Live.
- This device is supposed to integrate perfectly with Reason. Apart from the transport panel and one or two synth controls, it remains minimal. Integration with the mixer is almost non-existent.
All in all, to be tested for Live users. Reason users, forget about it.
iMac with reason 7. I was looking for a controller with more than 16 pads to play drum parts with Kong or launch samples in the NN-XT.
Do you find the different features and controls to be ergonomically designed? Is MIDI mapping straightforward?
Overall it's OK.
What are your thoughts on the feel of the controls and keys in terms of robustness and precision?
First, the box is beautiful. As far as manufacturing quality and sturdiness are concerned, the Base II seems really sturdy. Yet, I didn't like the touchpad faders at all, they lack accuracy. Regarding the pads, I was really disappointed by their touch and velocity which are way below their competitor's level. It's far from being as comfortable as Maschine's. I even preferred the novation launchkey mini's pads - way more pleasant and efficient.
What are the pros and cons of this MIDI control surface?
Pros :
- In theory, it's the perfect controller with 32 pads and touchpad faders.
- The box is well-thought, pretty and rather compact.
- High manufacture quality.
- Certainly an excellent live-oriented controller
Cons :
- A low value-for-money considering it's sold with no bundled software or soundbank, and there are still things that couls be made better.
- The pads. Once agin, you expect better for that price. Touch and velocity are really not up to par. This device's biggest flaw. Far below its competitors. Now, it won't matter to launch loops with Live.
- This device is supposed to integrate perfectly with Reason. Apart from the transport panel and one or two synth controls, it remains minimal. Integration with the mixer is almost non-existent.
All in all, to be tested for Live users. Reason users, forget about it.